14 of the world’s most romantic retreats

With February 14th on the horizon, take five minutes to fantasise about these swoon-worthy sanctuaries: our handpicked selection of the most romantic retreats in the world… Maldives – Jumeirah Dhevanafushi The Maldives – one of the most exclusive destinations on the planet – has to be the top choice for a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Jumeirah Dhevanafushi has won multiple awards since it opened five years ago and boasts some of the largest over water villas in the Maldives. The island itself is small (takes around 10 minutes to stroll around the circumference), but what it lacks for in quantity, it makes up for in quality – whether it’s the spa treatments, the cuisine or the incredible efficiency of the staff. Mauritius – Heritage Le Telfair Mauritius is one of the more pocket-friendly places to visit for UK residents at the moment; it’s somewhere your pound goes further – meaning you can luxuriate in five-star splendour at Heritage Le Telfair for less than you might expect, especially if you travel in low season. The Mauritian climate is good year round, meaning there’s not really a bad time to visit. There’s also a minimal time difference, so no jet-lag. Barbados – The House This hip hotel is a great choice for foodies. Many of Barbados’ best restaurants are within easy reach, and right next door is Daphne’s (the beachside counterpart to the famous Kensington haunt) – who also provide the all-day menu for The House. It’s adults-only, so there’s a calm atmosphere that makes it easy to relax whilst being spoilt rotten by the five-star service that everyone comes home raving about. St Lucia – Calabash Cove Resort & Spa Calabash Cove Resort & Spais a boutique adults-only resort in St Lucia. It’s tucked away in a secluded bay with a private beach, yet just a short drive from the restaurants and bars of the Rodney Bay area – making it a good choice if you like to go out in the evenings. Choose to stay in the main building or in one of the nine Balinese-style cottages: these are coveted for their ultra-privacy, whilst the suites in the main building have a more modern flavour, and are just steps from the incredible infinity pool. Antigua – Blue Waters Antigua Blue Waters was one of the first hotels to open in Antigua back in the 1960s. It’s been continually modernised and expanded over the years, but manages to retain all of its original charm. The Spa is particularly noteworthy. It’s claimed the title of ‘Antigua’s Leading Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards for the last five years – and it’s easy to see why. Hua Hin – Aleenta Aleenta is Sanskrit for ‘a rewarding life’ – and it’s the nicest boutique hotel in the Hua Hin area, located on a lovely, un-commercialised stretch of beach just outside the small town of Pranburi. It’s so relaxing, that after a week here you’ll be almost flat-lining. Each of the residences (they’re too special to be simply called ‘rooms’) feature floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air bathrooms – and most have a private pool. Koh Lanta – Layana Resort & Spa Layana Resort & Spa is a peaceful, adults-only retreat, overlooking a prime section of Koh Lanta’s sandy shoreline. Ideal for a romantic escape, it features one of the most photogenic swimming pools in Thailand. It’s a small resort with just 51 rooms and suites, all of which have been styled with a clean, contemporary Thai feel. December – March is the best time to go. Phuket – Keemala Keemala is a rather architecturally ambitious tropical hideaway – set well away from the crowds, but within easy reach of Patong Beach in Phuket. We love the Bird’s Nest Villas, which feature alfresco bathtubs hewn from chunks of rock, and private pools. The whole resort has an earthy, healing vibe – pack your yoga gear and prepare to be fully rejuvenated in the soul-soothing spa. Bali – Blue Karma Seminyak Blue Karma Seminyak is a charming hotel tucked away in the heart of Bali. It’s got a quiet, relaxed feel, despite being just a short walk away from the shops, restaurants and beach. The main attraction at Blue Karma is the beautiful swimming pool in the centre of the resort, which features a pretty wooden footbridge and sun loungers shaded by colourful Balinese umbrellas. All the rooms are artistically styled, but we love the pool villas – with their open-air washrooms that make it feel like you’re showering in a rainforest! Abu Dhabi – Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Excuse the cliché – but this resort is literally an oasis in the desert, sitting in the middle of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter. Wondrous sun-baked landscapes surround you in every direction (it kind of feels like you’ve gone on holiday to another planet), whilst inside the complex you’ll find immaculate pools, fabulous rooms and a spa like no other. The views at sunset are to die for, as are the twinkling night-times skies; don’t miss the chance to have a starlit open-air dinner out in the desert – a truly unforgettable experience. Dubai – One&Only The Palm It’s fair to say that One&Only The Palm is Dubai’s only boutique hotel, with low-rise architecture and just 90 suites. Exquisitely designed, this classy retreat oozes glamour – with low-key undertones. You know you’ve ‘made it’ when you can choose to stay here. Oman – The Chedi Muscat One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Chedi Muscat is graced by pristine pools, a soothing spa and an unadulterated atmosphere of calm. October to April, when the weather outside is a little cooler, are the best months to visit. Seychelles – Denis Private Island Tucked away on one of the Seychelles most picturesque outer islands, it’s hard to think of a more romantic place to visit than Denis Private Island. You’ll be pampered from the moment you arrive; this is the place to live out all of your desert island fantasies in style. Sitting just below the equator, it’s always perfect beach weather in the Seychelles – making it a great year-round destination. Spencer Groves is Commercial Director at letsgo2. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.